Anyone heading to Newcastle's Christmas market this weekend may notice that large bollards have been installed around it.
The heavy-set barriers have been put in place by Newcastle City Council in an effort to protect crowds and traders during the festive season by cutting off access from vehicles. Signage on the barriers reads: "Crowd guard. Protecting crowded spaces."
The bollards, which were also installed at last year's Christmas market, have been called "safety barriers" by the council, who confirmed that they are a "precautionary measure".
